(Iowa News Service) – The U.S. Office for Civil Rights has issued a ruling ensuring that an Iowa man with disabilities is able to live in his home and receive round-the-clock medical care. Advocates for people with disabilities hope the move sets precedent for other people in Iowa and around the country.

When he was about five, Cedar Rapids resident Garret Frey suffered the same spinal cord injury that Superman star Christopher Reeve did in an equestrian accident.  Reeve lived for about a decade after his accident. Frey is closing on 40 years, and sued the state, claiming it violated his rights by failing to provide the 24-hour home-based support and services he needs to live at home, where he said people with disabilities want to be. “It is truly where most of us are happy, healthy,” said Frey, “and it’s most cost-effective.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agreed to raise the provider reimbursement rate for in-home caregivers, allow for respite services, expand the health-care provider base – and help secure overnight, in-home nursing care for Frey. HHS will monitor Iowa’s progress for a year. Frey said he wants this ruling to set precedent for other people with disabilities in Iowa and across the country.

Garrett Fry was honored with the Lifetime Advocacy Award from the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council in 2023 (Photo courtesy IDDC)

“It’s one baby step in the right direction,” said Frey, “because there are many other disability-related concerns and issues that are ongoing.”

The ruling requires Iowa Health and Human Services to work with federal officials to ensure Frey’s needs are met during that year, and report on their progress monthly.